What do you think?
Rate this book
October Daye #16
Be the Serpent
October Daye is finally something she never expected to be: married. All the trials and turmoils and terrors of a hero’s life have done very little to prepare her for the expectation that she will actually share her life with someone else, the good parts and the bad ones alike, not just allow them to dabble around the edges in the things she wants to share. But with an official break from hero duties from the Queen in the Mists, and her family wholly on board with this new version of “normal,” she’s doing her best to adjust.
It isn’t always easy, but she’s a hero, right? She’s done harder.
Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.
The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.
It isn’t always easy, but she’s a hero, right? She’s done harder.
Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.
The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.
Audible Audio
First published August 30, 2022
247 people are currently reading
2712 people want to read
About the author
Seanan McGuire
508 books17.1k followersHi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
August 31, 2022
If I’m honest I was dreading reading this one. Just the title worried me. Toby was so happy in the last book so I knew it couldn’t last and it didn’t …..
Someone is targeting the Brown children.
Stacy Brown has been Toby’s very good friend since they were little and jumping in to rescue her kids is not a question. This "case" is not easy for Toby but as a Hero of the Realm, she must do what is expected of her. Yet, she is not alone. Tybalt will be with her. But can he really help?
Be the Serpent is UF at it's best. It has the Fae, shocking twists, a funny side, and drama with very sad parts. It also finishes with a cliffhanger!!!
I can only say: Be ready, be prepared.
One thing I will say and I never thought I would: I love Simon. He keeps on getting better. Who would have thought that was possible after reading book 1, Rosemarie and Rue?
I can't spoil the novel for you so I will not tell you who is responsible for the chaos that Toby has to fight through. Although, I think some of us have a guess. I also think I know who is the other missing part of the equation and I'm guessing she will reveal herself in the next installment.
The wait until These Violent Delights is going to kill me.......
Cliffhanger: Yes
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by DAW via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Someone is targeting the Brown children.
Stacy Brown has been Toby’s very good friend since they were little and jumping in to rescue her kids is not a question. This "case" is not easy for Toby but as a Hero of the Realm, she must do what is expected of her. Yet, she is not alone. Tybalt will be with her. But can he really help?
Be the Serpent is UF at it's best. It has the Fae, shocking twists, a funny side, and drama with very sad parts. It also finishes with a cliffhanger!!!
I can only say: Be ready, be prepared.
One thing I will say and I never thought I would: I love Simon. He keeps on getting better. Who would have thought that was possible after reading book 1, Rosemarie and Rue?
I can't spoil the novel for you so I will not tell you who is responsible for the chaos that Toby has to fight through. Although, I think some of us have a guess. I also think I know who is the other missing part of the equation and I'm guessing she will reveal herself in the next installment.
The wait until These Violent Delights is going to kill me.......
Cliffhanger: Yes
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by DAW via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 13, 2025
This book proves again that Seanan McGuire is excellent at the long plot game. I was braced for this book, every 4 books a huge piece of crazy info is provided that changes how you view all the books before. This is book 16. I don’t know if it is because I braced or was prepared this time but it didn’t shake me quite as much, but it was a beautiful plot twist. The ending was evil…definitely has me dying for the next book and since this one published today I have a while to wait. This is one of my all time favorite urban fantasy series, it should be read in order, but I highly recommend it.
August 31, 2022
Berkeley gave me an advanced copy through Netgalley. I really appreciate it! I've decided to review the book, and this is my honest opinion.
Phew, this one was a long time coming, and it has completely shaken up the world of October Daye. Big reveals, big twists, big losses, big changes, and what appears to be a cliffhanger that will kill me slowly over the next year waiting for the following book.
I really can't say much about the book, because pretty much anything will give away spoilers. Let's just say that this one has some devastating consequences for both Toby, her family, and Faerie in general. Like big massive serious consequences. I'm totally here for it... but I'm also saddened by the hits Toby has taken.
Following the novel, there is a brief novella staring the Luidaeg, long before we know her, with some big things happening to her as well.
Five+ stars, but highly recommended to read the rest of the series first.
Phew, this one was a long time coming, and it has completely shaken up the world of October Daye. Big reveals, big twists, big losses, big changes, and what appears to be a cliffhanger that will kill me slowly over the next year waiting for the following book.
I really can't say much about the book, because pretty much anything will give away spoilers. Let's just say that this one has some devastating consequences for both Toby, her family, and Faerie in general. Like big massive serious consequences. I'm totally here for it... but I'm also saddened by the hits Toby has taken.
Following the novel, there is a brief novella staring the Luidaeg, long before we know her, with some big things happening to her as well.
Five+ stars, but highly recommended to read the rest of the series first.
September 2, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Seanan McGuire has built a fantastic world in the October Daye series. A world rich in characters, histories, prophecies and magic. Toby McGuire is a hero in this world and in Be the Serpent she is about to be tested in ways she maybe wasn’t prepared for. This book ended up darker than some of the others in the series with a twist that I never saw coming.
Titania is back and she is just as brutal as she ever was. Toby is going to have to reconcile herself to the implications of this and find a way to save all the Brown children who have ended up in Titania’s sights. With the help of her crew being Tybalt, Toby’s new husband and Cait Sidhe king, her trusted squire Quinten, fetch May, newly acquired father Simon, The Luidaeg (famous Sea Witch of the sea, yes that Sea Witch) and more but those will be the main player along with a very reluctant Oberon who are tasked with containing the newly returned Titania.
This story was WOW, I don’t know why I thought it was possibly going to be a little fluffier with a newly married Toby trying to figure out how to balance marriage with all of her hero duties but this was full of tense moments, emotional hits to the gut and a deeper understanding of The Three (Titania, Oberon and possibly Maeve). They are the makers of Faery and they have a lot of explaining to do in Toby’s eyes.
Toby is very hard to kill but she has a big part to play in this fight and she is going to be stretched farther than she ever has before. Not to mention the little secret she has yet to tell her new husband that is weighing on her mind.
This story was an unusual one for the October Daye Universe because there is definitely one completed story in this book but normally books in the October Daye series wrap up and end at a solid ending. We have a bit of a cliffhanger in Be the Serpent and I am on pins and needles seeing how it works out in the next book. Really a phenomenal story. I love Toby’s irreverence in the face of danger and those with more power than her. There is enough quick wit and funny things said to help with the dark tones of the book and give it a good balance. One of the best in the October Daye world.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Seanan McGuire has built a fantastic world in the October Daye series. A world rich in characters, histories, prophecies and magic. Toby McGuire is a hero in this world and in Be the Serpent she is about to be tested in ways she maybe wasn’t prepared for. This book ended up darker than some of the others in the series with a twist that I never saw coming.
“We could be standing at the intersection of twenty different flavors of reality and only seeing the two where we have any business being”
Titania is back and she is just as brutal as she ever was. Toby is going to have to reconcile herself to the implications of this and find a way to save all the Brown children who have ended up in Titania’s sights. With the help of her crew being Tybalt, Toby’s new husband and Cait Sidhe king, her trusted squire Quinten, fetch May, newly acquired father Simon, The Luidaeg (famous Sea Witch of the sea, yes that Sea Witch) and more but those will be the main player along with a very reluctant Oberon who are tasked with containing the newly returned Titania.
This story was WOW, I don’t know why I thought it was possibly going to be a little fluffier with a newly married Toby trying to figure out how to balance marriage with all of her hero duties but this was full of tense moments, emotional hits to the gut and a deeper understanding of The Three (Titania, Oberon and possibly Maeve). They are the makers of Faery and they have a lot of explaining to do in Toby’s eyes.
Toby is very hard to kill but she has a big part to play in this fight and she is going to be stretched farther than she ever has before. Not to mention the little secret she has yet to tell her new husband that is weighing on her mind.
This story was an unusual one for the October Daye Universe because there is definitely one completed story in this book but normally books in the October Daye series wrap up and end at a solid ending. We have a bit of a cliffhanger in Be the Serpent and I am on pins and needles seeing how it works out in the next book. Really a phenomenal story. I love Toby’s irreverence in the face of danger and those with more power than her. There is enough quick wit and funny things said to help with the dark tones of the book and give it a good balance. One of the best in the October Daye world.
September 17, 2022
Halloween Bingo 2022
I continue to enjoy Seanan McGuire’s world of Faerie. There's never a dull moment and always a big threat to be faced. Part of me wonders where the other heroes are and why it always has to be Toby facing these things. Yes, she has her posse of chosen family who back her up, but wouldn't two heroes be better than one?
This book's basic problem, however, lands the battle right in the middle of Toby's circle. Toby gets the emotional rug pulled out from under her feet. As usual, she is given limited help from the more powerful fae but receives assistance from unexpected quarters. Simon may not be her biological father, but he has embraced her as his legal child and he does so much better than his twin brother Sylvester, who is supposed to be Toby's liege and greatest supporter. Sylvester has a difficult choice, between his wife's wishes and what he knows to be his obligations as ruler. This is the sixteenth book and Sylvester is still shilly-shallying on this matter.
Rayseline, Sylvester’s daughter and formerly not one of Toby's fans, has asked for shelter with Toby and Tybalt, as she reorients herself as she recovers from being elfshot. Toby, as usual, rolls with it and prioritizes Raysel's well being. Changes are coming to Toby's household—Quentin will eventually have to return to Toronto to take up his royal duties. Will Dean be left behind? Can he return to Saltmist? Raj will have to assume his royal role in the Kingdom of Cats.
That ending! Those who hate cliffhangers should definitely avoid reading this book before the next one is published. On one hand, I'm glad there will be more books, but oh, the suspense of waiting a year to see how it works out!
This novel appeared in my library books just as Bingo was getting under way and I slotted it into my queue under Urban Decay.
I continue to enjoy Seanan McGuire’s world of Faerie. There's never a dull moment and always a big threat to be faced. Part of me wonders where the other heroes are and why it always has to be Toby facing these things. Yes, she has her posse of chosen family who back her up, but wouldn't two heroes be better than one?
This book's basic problem, however, lands the battle right in the middle of Toby's circle. Toby gets the emotional rug pulled out from under her feet. As usual, she is given limited help from the more powerful fae but receives assistance from unexpected quarters. Simon may not be her biological father, but he has embraced her as his legal child and he does so much better than his twin brother Sylvester, who is supposed to be Toby's liege and greatest supporter. Sylvester has a difficult choice, between his wife's wishes and what he knows to be his obligations as ruler. This is the sixteenth book and Sylvester is still shilly-shallying on this matter.
Rayseline, Sylvester’s daughter and formerly not one of Toby's fans, has asked for shelter with Toby and Tybalt, as she reorients herself as she recovers from being elfshot. Toby, as usual, rolls with it and prioritizes Raysel's well being. Changes are coming to Toby's household—Quentin will eventually have to return to Toronto to take up his royal duties. Will Dean be left behind? Can he return to Saltmist? Raj will have to assume his royal role in the Kingdom of Cats.
That ending! Those who hate cliffhangers should definitely avoid reading this book before the next one is published. On one hand, I'm glad there will be more books, but oh, the suspense of waiting a year to see how it works out!
This novel appeared in my library books just as Bingo was getting under way and I slotted it into my queue under Urban Decay.
July 22, 2022
This book opens with an author's note, saying that the Events Of This Book have been planned since the beginning of the series. When I first read that note, I felt the declaration was a little overdramatic.
However, when I actually read the Events Of This Book, it turned out that it was just the right amount of dramatic. The plot twist(s) are well done, surprising, and pack an emotional punch.
This is book 16 of the October Daye series, which follows a Hero navigating the human world and the fairy knowes and everything in between.
I have now read book 3 and this book (#16). And they are linked in a supremely satisfying way. There are plot threads introduced in book 3 that are payed off here, and thematic patterns that continue and deepen. I assume that the rest of the books in the series feel as connected as these two, and conclude that fans of the series will be incredibly happy with this new entry and what it does for this world.
Now, after the "end" of this book -- after everything has been wrapped up -- we get another plot twist (or two?). I feel like this cliffhanger ending robbed the book of the nice closure that it had built, and soured my experience a little.
A video review including this book will premiere on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/c/ChloeFrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and DAW books for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
However, when I actually read the Events Of This Book, it turned out that it was just the right amount of dramatic. The plot twist(s) are well done, surprising, and pack an emotional punch.
This is book 16 of the October Daye series, which follows a Hero navigating the human world and the fairy knowes and everything in between.
I have now read book 3 and this book (#16). And they are linked in a supremely satisfying way. There are plot threads introduced in book 3 that are payed off here, and thematic patterns that continue and deepen. I assume that the rest of the books in the series feel as connected as these two, and conclude that fans of the series will be incredibly happy with this new entry and what it does for this world.
Now, after the "end" of this book -- after everything has been wrapped up -- we get another plot twist (or two?). I feel like this cliffhanger ending robbed the book of the nice closure that it had built, and soured my experience a little.
A video review including this book will premiere on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/c/ChloeFrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and DAW books for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2022
No, you aren't hallucinating. This is the highest rating I've given a book in this series since book eleven -- and before that, the only other three? Book one. Which in hindsight might've been an error in "hoping for the best/that things get better". So, yeah, the bar for this series, which I've complained about ad nauseam, is low. But this one, almost start to finish, had elements that kept me interested and unwilling to put the book down.
That isn't to say it didn't start off poorly though because we open up with Luna and Sylvester bullshit and to say I am tired of these two characters would be an understatement. What makes me somewhat angry, though, is McGuire gave an exceptional explanation for why the former is now the way she is and.. yeah, I'm mad. Because it makes sense. Why it took so long to get this explanation, I'll never know. But it doesn't excuse the latter's lack of backbone, loyalty, trust, etc etc. October better not have forgiven him that easy, too. I'm offended.
And, honestly, other than that.. other than a few little moments where people gave October shit for things I don't think she deserved (and trust me, I would mentioned when it was deserved), there were so few blips in this one. Truly, again, I am astonished.
My one real complaint is the constant rehashing of things to various characters as the plot pushed things along because it gets so tired, going over the same things endlessly; whereas certain other characters spent too much time standing around blinking and marvelling over how things don't make sense (cough Sylvester cough, glad October called him out on this, more please) and, mostly, being useless. But that's it. Complaint session over.
Oh wait, Tybalt was mostly useless in this one, not going to lie. He's sort've turned into arm candy now that he's got the girl. Though I suppose when you're as skilled and surprising as October is.. there isn't a whole lot to complete with there. Not a complaint so much as an observation.
The big reveal of this instalment, the way it went down, and then the end? Constant shocker. I'm both surprised and not surprised that the most powerful among this crew is also a different kind of useless and, for once, am not mad about October putting them in their place with little regard to niceties. She is all of us in this particular situation. Surprising no one, the sea witch was once again great, no notes, ten out of ten.
I don't think I've ever said this for this series but : I cannot wait for book seventeen. But don't get me wrong, I'm still hoping the end is in sight because obviously this is not a sustainable read for me (despite evidence to the contrary) and I fully expect the success of this instalment to peter out but hey, low expectations never hurt anyone.
Oh, and ps, the novella at the end of this one? Horrible. In the sense that seeing exactly what the sea witch was cursed with, live in HD4K, was horrible. Brutal. Awful. Lots of Big Bads need to go before the end of this series or there is truly no justice in this world (which is likely the case because faerie).
3.5 stars
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
That isn't to say it didn't start off poorly though because we open up with Luna and Sylvester bullshit and to say I am tired of these two characters would be an understatement. What makes me somewhat angry, though, is McGuire gave an exceptional explanation for why the former is now the way she is and.. yeah, I'm mad. Because it makes sense. Why it took so long to get this explanation, I'll never know. But it doesn't excuse the latter's lack of backbone, loyalty, trust, etc etc. October better not have forgiven him that easy, too. I'm offended.
And, honestly, other than that.. other than a few little moments where people gave October shit for things I don't think she deserved (and trust me, I would mentioned when it was deserved), there were so few blips in this one. Truly, again, I am astonished.
My one real complaint is the constant rehashing of things to various characters as the plot pushed things along because it gets so tired, going over the same things endlessly; whereas certain other characters spent too much time standing around blinking and marvelling over how things don't make sense (cough Sylvester cough, glad October called him out on this, more please) and, mostly, being useless. But that's it. Complaint session over.
Oh wait, Tybalt was mostly useless in this one, not going to lie. He's sort've turned into arm candy now that he's got the girl. Though I suppose when you're as skilled and surprising as October is.. there isn't a whole lot to complete with there. Not a complaint so much as an observation.
The big reveal of this instalment, the way it went down, and then the end? Constant shocker. I'm both surprised and not surprised that the most powerful among this crew is also a different kind of useless and, for once, am not mad about October putting them in their place with little regard to niceties. She is all of us in this particular situation. Surprising no one, the sea witch was once again great, no notes, ten out of ten.
I don't think I've ever said this for this series but : I cannot wait for book seventeen. But don't get me wrong, I'm still hoping the end is in sight because obviously this is not a sustainable read for me (despite evidence to the contrary) and I fully expect the success of this instalment to peter out but hey, low expectations never hurt anyone.
Oh, and ps, the novella at the end of this one? Horrible. In the sense that seeing exactly what the sea witch was cursed with, live in HD4K, was horrible. Brutal. Awful. Lots of Big Bads need to go before the end of this series or there is truly no justice in this world (which is likely the case because faerie).
3.5 stars
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 12, 2023
This series continues to be AMAZING and HEARTBREAKING, and right now my soul is hurting from finishing this book and being left to wait a year to make sure everyone is okay. Don't read any reviews that talk about the plot! There's just too much to spoil, and the big reveals are better left to be discovered while you read.
Be the Serpent proves 100% that an ongoing series, in the hands of a gifted author, can be just as powerful 16 books along as it was from the very start. Here's to many more!!
Be the Serpent proves 100% that an ongoing series, in the hands of a gifted author, can be just as powerful 16 books along as it was from the very start. Here's to many more!!
October 14, 2023
I didn't enjoy this sixteenth book in the series as much as I had hoped and expected to, but it was a fun and enjoyable read. McGuire somehow manages to keep it all fresh and interesting despite the big load of backstory. There are some real surprises and big changes in this one, which is the first with October and Tybalt as a married couple. One of the biggest changes is that we learn that one of the main supporting characters isn't who we thought they were at all, and October has to deal with a heartbreaking situation as a result. There were a couple of things that didn't work for me too well (a character is lost, and I didn't think the reactions were deeply enough felt, for example), but it all ends pretty well... and then there's a major shift from far out left field and it stops with a baffling cliffhanger... I'm glad I have #17 ready to go now...
August 30, 2022
UPDATE: (30.08.22)
So this book is delivering so much heartbreak and tears, I am not going to go into spoilers, so no worries, but it is BIG and the ending broke my heart like nothing else and I am waiting nervously for the next installment. I hope it is not going to be the last and I am praying to bookish gods, that it would deliver and resolve this big nasty and surprising cliffhanger.
Seanan, I am counting on you
.........................
(01/22)
Dear Seanan, I would give you my last piece of pizza, if it would mean that I could read this book before September.
As it is, I hope that I am right and plot is about Stacy, who also is Titania.
Please, don't let me be crazy lady with bad theories. Being crazy lazy with good theories is so much better!
So this book is delivering so much heartbreak and tears, I am not going to go into spoilers, so no worries, but it is BIG and the ending broke my heart like nothing else and I am waiting nervously for the next installment. I hope it is not going to be the last and I am praying to bookish gods, that it would deliver and resolve this big nasty and surprising cliffhanger.
Seanan, I am counting on you
.........................
(01/22)
Dear Seanan, I would give you my last piece of pizza, if it would mean that I could read this book before September.
As it is, I hope that I am right and plot is about Stacy, who also is Titania.
Please, don't let me be crazy lady with bad theories. Being crazy lazy with good theories is so much better!
November 4, 2025
Faery Cosmology
Regarding spoilers: I wrote most of this review before reading Be the Serpent, based on what I thought was coming. (Thus, it is not, strictly speaking, a review, but a preview, or perhaps a precognition 😀) I then read the book, and it turned out I needed to fix almost nothing. So, there are no spoilers here: nothing that could not be foreseen, except for one small one, which will be evident.
Be the Serpent is one of the best October Daye novels to date. The best was The Winter Long. In The Winter Long Seanan McGuire did what I have come to see as the characteristic McGuire move: she rewrote the past. You may have thought you knew what was going on when you read Rosemary and Rue, but you did not. The Winter Long shows you that what actually happened in Rosemary and Rue was entirely different from the story Toby told in that book. The Winter Long completely reshaped the world we thought we were in. The Winter Long wasn't the only book to rewrite the past. In Night and Silence we learn that the stepmother of Toby's daughter Gillian is Janet Carter, who broke Maeve's ride 500 years ago, and is also Toby's grandmother.
Inbetween all this rewriting of the past, we also have books that rewrite the future. We have known from early on that Toby was the subject of several prophecies. Also, the Luidaeg had plans for her. As is the nature of fairy tale prophecies, they come true, but not in the way that anyone thought they would. Thus, in fulfilling prophecies, Toby rewrites the future. In The Unkindest Tide Toby rescues the Roane. In A Killing Frost she brings back Oberon, as prophecy said she would. The odd thing about Oberon being back, though, is that he doesn't really seem to be. Throughout When Sorrows Come and the shorter stories McGuire has written since, he mostly just hangs around quietly in the background, as if he were something painted on the wallpaper.
All this rearranging of the past and future happens without explicit time travel. (McGuire has nothing in principle against time-travel as a plot device -- we know this because it showed up in That Ain’t Witchcraft (Incryptid series) and Middlegame. Nothing would surprise me less than the eventual appearance of a time-travel spell in the October Daye books. But so far, in the first fifteen books, that hasn't happened.) Of course, we've known another big rewrite was coming since we saw these ominous words in the publisher's blurb:
The reference to the Broken Ride told us that we were due to dig at least five hundred years deep into history. And Oberon at last emerges as a significant character. Be the Serpent reaches deep into the past and deep into the future. How was Faery born? Did Oberon say, "Let there be light"? Was there a Big Bang? Did both of those things happen? Will what was broken in the Broken Ride be fixed?
But of course, what you really want to know is, "Who's the serpent?" Does the Luidaeg, who after all, has promised to kill Toby, finally turn on her? Does Tybalt, who has just become her real, sanctioned husband, betray her? Someone else? How badly is McGuire going to hurt us?
Now that I have actually read Be the Serpent, I have little to add to the preview above. Only two small things. First, much of Be the Serpent concerns arguments among families, and like real family arguments, they get tedious at times. Second, we end with a cliff-hanger.
Such Dangerous Seas
Be the Serpent is followed by the novella Such Dangerous Seas. Once again, we are reaching deep into the past. This one is told from the point of view of Antigone of Albany, better known to us as The Luidaeg. It begins by retelling the the story of the slaughter of the Roane, which has been told several times before in the course of the October Daye Series. However, it goes on from there to relate The Luidaeg's attempt to get justice. We see the Luidaeg in an unusual way, as a petitioner, weaker than those she is dealing with. This is a vulnerable Annie, unlike the powerful and self-confident Luidaeg we have come to know.
Such Dangerous Seas builds on revelations from Be the Serpent. You won't fully understand Such Dangerous Seas unless you have read Be the Serpent.
I thank NetGalley and DAW for an advance reader's copy in exchange for a candid review.
Blog review.
Regarding spoilers: I wrote most of this review before reading Be the Serpent, based on what I thought was coming. (Thus, it is not, strictly speaking, a review, but a preview, or perhaps a precognition 😀) I then read the book, and it turned out I needed to fix almost nothing. So, there are no spoilers here: nothing that could not be foreseen, except for one small one, which will be evident.
Be the Serpent is one of the best October Daye novels to date. The best was The Winter Long. In The Winter Long Seanan McGuire did what I have come to see as the characteristic McGuire move: she rewrote the past. You may have thought you knew what was going on when you read Rosemary and Rue, but you did not. The Winter Long shows you that what actually happened in Rosemary and Rue was entirely different from the story Toby told in that book. The Winter Long completely reshaped the world we thought we were in. The Winter Long wasn't the only book to rewrite the past. In Night and Silence we learn that the stepmother of Toby's daughter Gillian is Janet Carter, who broke Maeve's ride 500 years ago, and is also Toby's grandmother.
Inbetween all this rewriting of the past, we also have books that rewrite the future. We have known from early on that Toby was the subject of several prophecies. Also, the Luidaeg had plans for her. As is the nature of fairy tale prophecies, they come true, but not in the way that anyone thought they would. Thus, in fulfilling prophecies, Toby rewrites the future. In The Unkindest Tide Toby rescues the Roane. In A Killing Frost she brings back Oberon, as prophecy said she would. The odd thing about Oberon being back, though, is that he doesn't really seem to be. Throughout When Sorrows Come and the shorter stories McGuire has written since, he mostly just hangs around quietly in the background, as if he were something painted on the wallpaper.
All this rearranging of the past and future happens without explicit time travel. (McGuire has nothing in principle against time-travel as a plot device -- we know this because it showed up in That Ain’t Witchcraft (Incryptid series) and Middlegame. Nothing would surprise me less than the eventual appearance of a time-travel spell in the October Daye books. But so far, in the first fifteen books, that hasn't happened.) Of course, we've known another big rewrite was coming since we saw these ominous words in the publisher's blurb:
Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.
The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.
The reference to the Broken Ride told us that we were due to dig at least five hundred years deep into history. And Oberon at last emerges as a significant character. Be the Serpent reaches deep into the past and deep into the future. How was Faery born? Did Oberon say, "Let there be light"? Was there a Big Bang? Did both of those things happen? Will what was broken in the Broken Ride be fixed?
But of course, what you really want to know is, "Who's the serpent?" Does the Luidaeg, who after all, has promised to kill Toby, finally turn on her? Does Tybalt, who has just become her real, sanctioned husband, betray her? Someone else? How badly is McGuire going to hurt us?
Now that I have actually read Be the Serpent, I have little to add to the preview above. Only two small things. First, much of Be the Serpent concerns arguments among families, and like real family arguments, they get tedious at times. Second, we end with a cliff-hanger.
Such Dangerous Seas
Be the Serpent is followed by the novella Such Dangerous Seas. Once again, we are reaching deep into the past. This one is told from the point of view of Antigone of Albany, better known to us as The Luidaeg. It begins by retelling the the story of the slaughter of the Roane, which has been told several times before in the course of the October Daye Series. However, it goes on from there to relate The Luidaeg's attempt to get justice. We see the Luidaeg in an unusual way, as a petitioner, weaker than those she is dealing with. This is a vulnerable Annie, unlike the powerful and self-confident Luidaeg we have come to know.
Such Dangerous Seas builds on revelations from Be the Serpent. You won't fully understand Such Dangerous Seas unless you have read Be the Serpent.
I thank NetGalley and DAW for an advance reader's copy in exchange for a candid review.
Blog review.
November 9, 2022
"Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time"
OMG, who???
OMG, who???
September 1, 2024
Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time,(..)
I wonder if it's Marcia...
It is not Marcia...
At this point I don't even know why I keep reading this _ okay, its because of Tybalt _ because this series has turned into a freaking woke mess.
As usual, the first twenty percent of the story is a freaking recap. -_-
And then everything that happens, no matter how small it is, is permeated with more endless blah, blah, about how everything happens.
We KNOW! This is the sixteenth book in the series. We are not gold fish.
Toby. Lets talk about our indestructible super hero. Her voice?
Annoying.
Her actions?
Annoying. She now acts like she is mightier than Oberon himself.
Her love for Simon has become ridiculous. As if ruining Patrick's and Dianda marriage wasn't enough by introducing polyamory, Simon now gets more attention than everyone else.
Look we had May and Jazz, and then she had to make Quentin bi, and now f***g Simon/Patrick and Dianda. -______- And lets not forget our trans character. Check
I can't get over Simon's makeover.
He was a fucking monster. He did what he did to Luna and Raysel! And to Toby herself, so no, I really couldn't care about less about Simon. And every time he enters he pisses me of.
Of course at this point everything can be solved by Toby's blood, so why bother?
Maybe if the author would left her "activist" interests aside, this series would still be readable.
“Are you objecting to robbing human museums now?” I asked, with interest. “Because human museums are big on robbing whoever they need to in order to make a pretty display.
I think robbing them is a morally neutral act.”
As always the best part of this world continues to be the Luideag, so her short story at the end, was the best part about this whole mess.
I wonder if it's Marcia...
It is not Marcia...
At this point I don't even know why I keep reading this _ okay, its because of Tybalt _ because this series has turned into a freaking woke mess.
As usual, the first twenty percent of the story is a freaking recap. -_-
And then everything that happens, no matter how small it is, is permeated with more endless blah, blah, about how everything happens.
We KNOW! This is the sixteenth book in the series. We are not gold fish.
Toby. Lets talk about our indestructible super hero. Her voice?
Annoying.
Her actions?
Annoying. She now acts like she is mightier than Oberon himself.
Her love for Simon has become ridiculous. As if ruining Patrick's and Dianda marriage wasn't enough by introducing polyamory, Simon now gets more attention than everyone else.
Look we had May and Jazz, and then she had to make Quentin bi, and now f***g Simon/Patrick and Dianda. -______- And lets not forget our trans character. Check
I can't get over Simon's makeover.
He was a fucking monster. He did what he did to Luna and Raysel! And to Toby herself, so no, I really couldn't care about less about Simon. And every time he enters he pisses me of.
Of course at this point everything can be solved by Toby's blood, so why bother?
Maybe if the author would left her "activist" interests aside, this series would still be readable.
“Are you objecting to robbing human museums now?” I asked, with interest. “Because human museums are big on robbing whoever they need to in order to make a pretty display.
I think robbing them is a morally neutral act.”
As always the best part of this world continues to be the Luideag, so her short story at the end, was the best part about this whole mess.
August 29, 2022
**ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Be the Serpent is the 16th book in the October Daye series. I am still fully invested and dedicated to the story and awesome characters. I always look forward to what type of new adventure/mess October will find herself in. Seanan McGuire really threw a curveball in this book. I didn't see the plot coming and it broke my heart when I understood what was going on. This book is a bit more emotional than what I am used to from this author and tears rolled down my cheeks multiple times.
I couldn't put this book down and finished reading it pretty quickly. I was just that hooked and intrigued by the story. I love being reunited with my favorite characters in each book, and seeing October's relationship grow stronger with the people she loves. Be the Serpent is a very strong addition to the series, and especially the ending has me dying to get my hands on the next novel. I am confused but also pretty excited to see what will happen next.
Be the Serpent is the 16th book in the October Daye series. I am still fully invested and dedicated to the story and awesome characters. I always look forward to what type of new adventure/mess October will find herself in. Seanan McGuire really threw a curveball in this book. I didn't see the plot coming and it broke my heart when I understood what was going on. This book is a bit more emotional than what I am used to from this author and tears rolled down my cheeks multiple times.
I couldn't put this book down and finished reading it pretty quickly. I was just that hooked and intrigued by the story. I love being reunited with my favorite characters in each book, and seeing October's relationship grow stronger with the people she loves. Be the Serpent is a very strong addition to the series, and especially the ending has me dying to get my hands on the next novel. I am confused but also pretty excited to see what will happen next.
July 22, 2022
This is probably the most difficult review that I've ever had to write, because what can be said about this book without giving everything away? This one hurt. Seanan warned us, and still it hurt.
Be the Serpent picks up not long after our last foray into October's world. She's happily married, fresh from honeymoon, and to attend Raysel's trial. Everything is going so well, so of course it must now fall apart. And it does, spectacularly so, with the screams of children.
Welcome to the party, we're so glad you could attend.
Be the Serpent picks up not long after our last foray into October's world. She's happily married, fresh from honeymoon, and to attend Raysel's trial. Everything is going so well, so of course it must now fall apart. And it does, spectacularly so, with the screams of children.
Welcome to the party, we're so glad you could attend.
January 17, 2022
Putting this here think the person will either be...
The Luideag though seems obvious so not sure if it will be her. I think it will honestly have a decent chance of being Marcia
The Luideag though seems obvious so not sure if it will be her. I think it will honestly have a decent chance of being Marcia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
Well, that was rude.
October 8, 2023
*insert cat screaming gif here*
REP: queer side characters (many); queer author
REP: queer side characters (many); queer author
December 19, 2023
McGuire never ceases to amaze me. Twist, turns, and f@%kery await you in this story that left me spellbound. As this is urban fantasy, spoilers may be present. It is best to read/listen to the October Daye series in the order of its release.
Toby is settling into married life and a full house. It’s a change, but one they are all ready to take on. She is on a bit of a break, but we all know that never lasts long. Things are about to go very wrong when an old friend turns out to be an enemy. Everything Toby thought she knew was wrong, and she’s about to battle for her life and those she loves.
Holy Revelations. The story opens with a note from the author informing us that the events in this story had been planned from the beginning of the series. I didn’t heed that warning nearly enough. Take time for this one. Turn off your phone, don’t answer the door and, for goodness’ sakes, have the next book handy.
I screamed, paced the floor, and become emotionally involved. I wanted to kick some butt. This story took some dark tones, and in fact is darker than previous stories, so be prepared. Some characters surprised me and others, well, pissed me off.
Mary Robinette Kowal once again narrates and does a brilliant job with these characters and story. I highly recommend listening. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Toby is settling into married life and a full house. It’s a change, but one they are all ready to take on. She is on a bit of a break, but we all know that never lasts long. Things are about to go very wrong when an old friend turns out to be an enemy. Everything Toby thought she knew was wrong, and she’s about to battle for her life and those she loves.
Holy Revelations. The story opens with a note from the author informing us that the events in this story had been planned from the beginning of the series. I didn’t heed that warning nearly enough. Take time for this one. Turn off your phone, don’t answer the door and, for goodness’ sakes, have the next book handy.
I screamed, paced the floor, and become emotionally involved. I wanted to kick some butt. This story took some dark tones, and in fact is darker than previous stories, so be prepared. Some characters surprised me and others, well, pissed me off.
Mary Robinette Kowal once again narrates and does a brilliant job with these characters and story. I highly recommend listening. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 31, 2022
I cannot think of another author who plays the long game as well as Seanan McGuire. In the 16th installment in the October Daye series, we arrive at a place that she has masterfully built over the past fifteen plus years. But it's a very, very dark place. It is almost impossible to offer a good review without serving up major spoilers, and I'm not going to do that because readers deserve to feel the payoff of all of Seanan McGuire's efforts and meticulous craft. But, wow, readers. You're going to need some time to process this one.
October 29, 2022
I Just wish the book had ended on the good news, and skip the cliffhanger ending part that just really don't tell much.
June 18, 2023
Reread, June 2023: All right, we did it, we climbed the mountain (reread 16 books in three months).
Original review, March 2023: What, pray tell, the FUCK???
Original review, March 2023: What, pray tell, the FUCK???
July 4, 2022
***THE VERSION OF THIS THAT I READ WAS AN ARC***
/shakes fist/ yOU!!
/shakes fist/ yOU!!
September 14, 2022
There is a lot going on in this one and most of it not good. So much of what happens really hits Toby hard and is hard to read about. The worst though was the ending, it really sucked! Just as Toby was finally settling into being married with Tybalt and they have things to celebrate the big bad evil of this book came back to bitch slap Toby worse than ever before, I think worse even than getting turned into a fish for years. Of course we will have to wait for the next book to see what happens for real, but it can't be good!
On a side note, I loved how Toby ripped Oberon a new one all the times she did. He had it coming for his actions, actions that caused all the trouble in this book and the trouble Toby was left in at the end of the book. That guy needs to man up and actually fix his mistakes and take responsibility for his actions.
I also loved how Luidaeg let Toby know she believed in her, even when it didn't seem like it and she was doing what she could, knowing the events of this book would happen at some point and she wanted Toby to be strong.
On a side note, I loved how Toby ripped Oberon a new one all the times she did. He had it coming for his actions, actions that caused all the trouble in this book and the trouble Toby was left in at the end of the book. That guy needs to man up and actually fix his mistakes and take responsibility for his actions.
I also loved how Luidaeg let Toby know she believed in her, even when it didn't seem like it and she was doing what she could, knowing the events of this book would happen at some point and she wanted Toby to be strong.
August 30, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Be The Serpent is the Sixteenth installment in author Seanan McGuire's October Daye series. Timeline, this story takes place in June of 2015. It has been 6 years since Toby was released from her 14 year captivity as a koi fish in which she lost both her husband and her daugher. After once again saving the day in Toronto, she's now married now to Tybalt, the King of the Cats. She's also Knight of Lost Words, Hero of the Realm of the Kingdom of the Mist, and named Realm Breaker by more than a few former enemies who are weary of this new turn in Toby's life.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Be The Serpent is the Sixteenth installment in author Seanan McGuire's October Daye series. Timeline, this story takes place in June of 2015. It has been 6 years since Toby was released from her 14 year captivity as a koi fish in which she lost both her husband and her daugher. After once again saving the day in Toronto, she's now married now to Tybalt, the King of the Cats. She's also Knight of Lost Words, Hero of the Realm of the Kingdom of the Mist, and named Realm Breaker by more than a few former enemies who are weary of this new turn in Toby's life.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 29, 2022
showstopping, spectacular, never been done before. my third favorite book in the series thus far. so good that i’m not even mad that for the first time a toby book ends on a cliffhanger.
July 12, 2022
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this. If I were being entirely objective, I could point out one or two minor niggles - the way the great cast of supporting characters don't really seem to have anything going on except Toby, for instance, or the fact that a certain supporting character who has barely been a blip on my radar is suddenly massively important to the plot and we're supposed to suffer over her loss which I feel is a little unearned.
However, while those things are definitely there, this is Seanan McGuire. It's still ten times better than most other urban fantasy. I'm prepared nay willing to sacrifice a lot as the huge and intricate series arc unfurls. I loved this. I loved the way it cleared up a few things and then asked further questions. I am annoyed at how it ended BUT I also have the biggest book hangover ever and would love to just crawl back into the world again. And as a bonus, there's a Luideag novella included as a bonus which is *chef's kiss*
So yeah, maybe a little flawed. Maybe not my favourite entry in the series. But still fantastic UF and I am here for it. I can't believe it'll be another year long wait for the next one. Highly recommend this entire series.
I really enjoyed this. If I were being entirely objective, I could point out one or two minor niggles - the way the great cast of supporting characters don't really seem to have anything going on except Toby, for instance, or the fact that a certain supporting character who has barely been a blip on my radar is suddenly massively important to the plot and we're supposed to suffer over her loss which I feel is a little unearned.
However, while those things are definitely there, this is Seanan McGuire. It's still ten times better than most other urban fantasy. I'm prepared nay willing to sacrifice a lot as the huge and intricate series arc unfurls. I loved this. I loved the way it cleared up a few things and then asked further questions. I am annoyed at how it ended BUT I also have the biggest book hangover ever and would love to just crawl back into the world again. And as a bonus, there's a Luideag novella included as a bonus which is *chef's kiss*
So yeah, maybe a little flawed. Maybe not my favourite entry in the series. But still fantastic UF and I am here for it. I can't believe it'll be another year long wait for the next one. Highly recommend this entire series.
August 30, 2022
I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!!
Can't believe I have to wait a year for the next one
Can't believe I have to wait a year for the next one
November 2, 2022
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I love this series and couldn’t wait to dive into this story.
October is finally married, but that doesn’t mean her problems will disappear. In fact, the novel opens with the trial of Raysel, Luna and Sylvester’s daughter that would determine if the girl will be allowed to be awakened or not. Unfortunately, not everything goes according to plan and when Cassandra and Karen have a vision and start screaming at the end of the session, October understands that something is wrong. She rushes to her best friend, Stacy, and discovers to her horror that the young woman has disappeared and that one of her daughters has been killed. This is the beginning of the end… We will then discover many shocking revelations that will plunge October into horror. She will have to fight to save her loved ones, and sometimes it will not be enough.
I had a great time with this novel. It’s quite touching to see our heroine manage to reconnect with the people in her life. She will also be forced to make some crucial choices, which will be far from easy.
I’m impressed: the quality of the series doesn’t diminish after so many novels and the ending makes us want to learn more and fast! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
My English review
I love this series and couldn’t wait to dive into this story.
October is finally married, but that doesn’t mean her problems will disappear. In fact, the novel opens with the trial of Raysel, Luna and Sylvester’s daughter that would determine if the girl will be allowed to be awakened or not. Unfortunately, not everything goes according to plan and when Cassandra and Karen have a vision and start screaming at the end of the session, October understands that something is wrong. She rushes to her best friend, Stacy, and discovers to her horror that the young woman has disappeared and that one of her daughters has been killed. This is the beginning of the end… We will then discover many shocking revelations that will plunge October into horror. She will have to fight to save her loved ones, and sometimes it will not be enough.
I had a great time with this novel. It’s quite touching to see our heroine manage to reconnect with the people in her life. She will also be forced to make some crucial choices, which will be far from easy.
I’m impressed: the quality of the series doesn’t diminish after so many novels and the ending makes us want to learn more and fast! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
August 17, 2022
Since Be the Serpent by Seanan McGuire is book sixteen in the October Daye Fantasy series, it’s kind of hard to review. If you haven’t read the series (and you really should if you enjoy Fantasy) then you will have no idea what is going on since there are too many characters and backstories to even begin to explain.
And if you’re a regular to the series, I really don’t want to give anything away.
In the forward McGuire mentions that she’s had the events of this book planned for a long time. And the reveals are a doozy. As with most of the books in the series, lots of storylines are added to or completed, and she leaves us with even more open storylines to continue in future books of the series.
At one point, I thought the book was coming to a close with an epic battle scene, but then it just kept going with even more goodness.
Besides being a fantastic addition to the October Daye series, there is also a short story afterwards that gives greater insight into the sea witch, her sister, and her step-mom. This added so much depth and understanding to all three of these characters in such a short timeframe.
I highly recommend Be the Serpent, and if you’re new to this series, I suggest you start with Rosemary and Rue.
And if you’re a regular to the series, I really don’t want to give anything away.
In the forward McGuire mentions that she’s had the events of this book planned for a long time. And the reveals are a doozy. As with most of the books in the series, lots of storylines are added to or completed, and she leaves us with even more open storylines to continue in future books of the series.
At one point, I thought the book was coming to a close with an epic battle scene, but then it just kept going with even more goodness.
Besides being a fantastic addition to the October Daye series, there is also a short story afterwards that gives greater insight into the sea witch, her sister, and her step-mom. This added so much depth and understanding to all three of these characters in such a short timeframe.
I highly recommend Be the Serpent, and if you’re new to this series, I suggest you start with Rosemary and Rue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews